Furniture Connector Interlock for Fast Assembly and Stronger Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors used in furniture assembly have low structural reliability and poor user experience due to their sheet structure formed by bending metal sheets, leading to weak connections and cumbersome assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a primary member and an auxiliary member with a primary junction having a limiting groove and an auxiliary junction having a limiting block, allowing for vertical insertion of the limiting block into the limiting groove to achieve a secure, horizontally clamped connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sheet structures formed by bending metal sheets are used for primary member and auxiliary member, then manufacturing is simple, but connection strength is low and structural reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate members: a primary member with a limiting groove and an auxiliary member with a limiting block. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured simply as a bent metal sheet while achieving strong connection through their interlocking geometry, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting block of the auxiliary member is inserted into and nested within the limiting groove of the primary member. This nesting structure creates a secure mechanical interlock that significantly enhances connection strength while maintaining the simplicity of bent metal sheet construction for both components.
2Ease of manufacture
If sheet structures formed by bending metal sheets are used for primary member and auxiliary member, then manufacturing is simple, but structural reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connector into primary and auxiliary members with complementary geometries (limiting groove and limiting block) allows simple manufacturing of individual components while achieving reliable structural connection through their interlocking assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the limiting block within the limiting groove creates a mechanically reliable connection that prevents unintended separation, thereby enhancing structural reliability while keeping individual components simple to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used, then assembly is possible, but assembly process is cumbersome and connection strength is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with distinct primary and auxiliary members featuring complementary limiting features enables a straightforward insertion-based assembly process while achieving strong connections, improving both ease of operation and connection strength simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The nesting mechanism where the limiting block fits into the limiting groove provides an intuitive and simple insertion operation that is easy to perform while creating a strong mechanical connection, thus improving both ease of operation and connection strength.
4Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used, then assembly is possible, but assembly process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented connector design with complementary limiting features enables a simple single-step insertion assembly process, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested insertion mechanism allows for rapid assembly by simply inserting the auxiliary member into the primary member, eliminating complex assembly steps and reducing overall assembly time while keeping the operation simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a connector and furniture using connector. The disclosure includes a primary member and an auxiliary member that are separated and detachable. The primary member is provided with a primary junction having a limiting groove, and the auxiliary member is provided with an auxiliary junction having a limiting block. When the primary junction and the auxiliary junction are vertically stacked, the limiting block is vertically inserted into the limiting groove, such that the primary member and the auxiliary member are horizontally clamped and limited. The primary member and the auxiliary member are provided with the primary junction having the limiting groove and the auxiliary junction having the limiting block respectively, such that the primary member and the auxiliary member are fixed to each other in an inserted manner.